Govt concerned, probe on into Melbourne race attack

A worried India on Wednesday took up the issue of racial attacks with Canberra after two Indian students and their uncle were beaten up on September 12.

Vishnu Prakash, spokesman Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said: “We are concerned at the recurring attacks in Australia. The matter was taken up with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith by our High Commissioner in Canberra today (Wednesday), who has also written to the Premier of Victoria,” said.

Praskash said the Indian Consul General in Melbourne was in contact with authorities in Victoria, including the police authorities.

After a brief lull, two Indian nationals and two other persons of Indian origin were assaulted by a group of individuals in Melbourne on Saturday. One of the Indian nationals, Sukhdip Singh, had sustained serious injuries.

Under fire, the Australian police have launched a probe into the incident.

They have also denied covering it up amid criticism for the delay in releasing the incident details. Victorian police said four men were arrested and quizzed in connection with the attacks, but were released pending further investigation.